Anna Hazare tells Arvind Kejriwal not to use his name, photo for votes as they part ways

Backed by Kiran Bedi and Santosh Hegde, Hazare told the other group during the nine-hour deliberations that they were free to form a political party but cannot use his name or photo for their campaign.

Team Anna on Wednesday suffered a vertical split with Anna Hazare and some top activists choosing to part ways with the Arvind Kejriwal-led group, opposing their plans to form a political party.

After a roller-coaster ride of 18 months in which they came together to run a high-steam anti-graft movement, the group led by Hazare had acrimonious discussions with Kejriwal and his supporters including Prashant Bushan and Shanti Bhushan on the issue of forming a political party.

(Above) Anti corruption activist Anna Hazare with Arvind Kejriwal

Backed by activists including Kiran Bedi and Justice Santosh Hegde, Hazare told the other group during the nine-hour deliberations that they were free to form a political party but cannot use his name or photo for their campaign.

"It is unfortunate that the team has separated...I will not join any party or any group. I will not go for their campaign. I have told them not to use my photo or my name in their campaign. You fight on your own," he told reporters here.

Hazare refused to accept the survey done by India Against Corruption which overwhelmly favoured a political path, saying he does not agree with the exercise done through social networking sites.

(Above) Anti corruption activist Anna Hazare

"My best wishes are with them (those taking political path). There is no harm in it. If they think that they can get majority in Parliament, it is good...The paths have been separated. Both of us have chosen our (separate paths).

When pointed out that Kejriwal had earlier declared that he will not form any party if Hazare does not approve it, he said if that was the case, then the party should not be formed but "it is a good thing".

(Above) Anti corruption activist Anna Hazare with Arvind Kejriwal

The discussions saw a section alleging that Hazare was "exploited" by the Kejriwal group. It was countered by others saying "people in Delhi have made Anna what he is now".

Reacting to the developments, Kejriwal tweeted, "country is on sale. It is passing through very difficult phase. I will do everything possible for me to save my country."

"A section of those in meeting said Hazare was exploited by some people in the movement. But this is not true. If Anna has given his name to the movement, people here have made the Anna what he is now. They built the image of Anna," he said.

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who attended the meeting, said in case one needs to fight corruption solidly, one "may have to fight elections". He said there is no controversy but only deliberations.

During his interaction with press, Hazare also expressed hope that government will be forced to pass a strong Lokpal Bill as elections are nearing and the government should be fearing it.

"They will be afraid of losing power. That time has come.

I believe that they will have to bring the Lokpal Bill before elections. Now it is that they bring Lokpal or my death," he said.